Navy Rear Admiral Mark Fox rarely gets a chance to meet new pilots. He spends most of his time facing the formidable task of commanding the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, home to the famous TOPGUN program.

But Admiral Fox recently scheduled time for one recruit – 7-year-old Brett, who is diagnosed with a soft-tissue cancer. Brett’s visit to NAS Fallon was part of granting his wish to be a pilot.

Every 40 minutes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. And each of these wishes come true thanks to caring volunteers and generous supporters. You can donate today to share the power of a wish^® with courageous kids like Brett.

Navy Continues Wish-Granting Tradition

Turning Brett’s high-flying wish into reality also involved Navy personnel. The men and women serving in all branches of the armed forces have proven to be enthusiastic wish granters, and NAS Fallon’s staff upheld that tradition.

Brett’s experience started with helping raise the flag. He also received his own flag before meeting with Admiral Fox, a decorated and experienced pilot.

“He doesn't really understand the concept of ranks, but the time Rear Admiral Mark Fox spent with us was a big surprise and very generous,” Brett’s mother, Adele, told Navy journalists.

Brett Takes Control of the Viper Simulator

Brett’s talk with the admiral set the stage for the rest of his day. He wore his own custom flight jacket as he inspected supersonic fighters, surveillance planes and helicopters with Commander Paul Olin, TOPGUN director. Commander Olin then escorted Brett to a rare and amazing experience – the chance to fly an F-16 Viper simulator. Brett took the controls, which are an exact replica of the Viper’s cockpit.

The second day of Brett’s wish was equally thrilling: He met instructors from the Navy Sea, Air and Land Forces (SEALs), toured the Joint Close Air Support building and watched the carefully orchestrated air operations from the air operations tower.

Smiles All Around for Brett’s Navy Friends

Brett’s two-day Navy experience gave him incredible memories and the reassurance that people care about him – even if they’ve just met him for the first time. And he passed his joy along to the people who made it possible for his wish to come true.

“We were very happy to have the chance to host Brett and his family,” said Chief Operations Specialist Wes Plount, a TOPGUN staff member, in a Navy publication. “The look on his face and in his eyes while he was in the F-16 simulator put smiles on the faces of everyone in the room.”

By Justin Schmid